Light, Low, Mild or Similar Descriptors

Tobacco products that are labeled or advertised with the terms "light," "low," or "mild" or similar descriptors mislead the public into thinking that these products cause fewer health problems than other cigarettes. However, they still pose a heavy health risk. Research shows that:

Smokers who use light cigarettes do not reduce their risk for developing smoking-related cancers and other diseases.1

Switching to light cigarettes does not help smokers quit, and may actually decrease the motivation to quit.2,3

In order to better protect the public from misleading claims, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act prohibits manufacturers from producing and distributing for sale any tobacco products labeled or advertised as "light," "low," or "mild" without a Modified Risk Tobacco Product order from the FDA. Manufacturers must meet rigorous criteria before we can issue an order authorizing the marketing of a modified risk tobacco product. If products are marketed as "light," "low," or "mild" without an MRTP order, FDA considers these claims to be health fraud.